Mandarin Oriental Group | Announced the Forthcoming Opening of a 275 – Room Hotel in Makati, Manila, The Philippines

Mandarin Oriental Group, a multinational hospitality company founded in 1963 and based in Hong Kong, China, boasting a relevant portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation properties, has announced the forthcoming opening of a 275 - room hotel in Makati, a bustling city in the Philippines Metro Manila region.

Often dubbed the “Wall Street of the Philippines", Makati houses the Philippines Stock Exchange and headquarters for major local and multinational corporations, serving as the premier financial and commercial hub of the country, also known for its towering skyscrapers and shopping malls of Makati Central Business District, the Ayala Triangle Gardens, cosmopolitan culture , and bustling expat community.

The opening of Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila scheduled for late 2026 establish Mandarin Oriental Group return to Metro Manila region re -establishing its presence in a key destination of Southeast Asia.

The property is being developed in partnership with Ayala Land, Inc (ALI), the largest and most prominent real estate developer in the Philippines headquartered in Makati City, operating as the publicly traded property arm of Ayala Corporation. The company is known for pioneering large – scale integrated, and sustainable mixed - use master planned estates.

The hotel will be stand 98.7 metres tall, located above Ayala Triangle Gardens at the intersection of Makati Avenue, Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and proximity to Greenbelt’s retail and dining destinations, as well as trendy cocktail bars, fine restaurants, cozy cafes, stylish galleries, the Salcedo a and Legazpi weekend markets and situated just 15 minutes by car from Manila International Airport.

The hotel will feature 275 comfortable rooms and suites. Accommodations options will include entry - level Deluxe Rooms, starting at 50 square metres, with features such as panoramic city and park views, walk - in wardrobes, and separate bath and shower areas.

The property will also offer connecting room options, Family Deluxe Rooms, and Suites with expanded living spaces, vanity desks, and bathrooms with several amenities. Club accommodation guests will provide access to the Mandarin Oriental Club Lounge and a 24 - hour butler service.

Dining venues at hotel will include contemporary Cantonese. Filipino, and international cuisine as well as craft cocktail. 

The Spa and Wellness Floor will feature a 25 - metre outdoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, and spaces for yoga and holistic movement. The spa will offer therapies based on Filipino healing traditions, including Hilot and Sukob ug Manggagamot.

Event facilities will include flexible function rooms and meeting spaces, with options for outdoor celebrations and cultural programming due to the hotel’s direct access to Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The Grand Hall will span 740 square metres with an 8  - metre ceiling height and a capacity for up to 1.000 guests and can be divided into three halls, complemented by The Gallery pre - function space. Additional functions and meeting rooms, as well as a boardroom, will also available.

Links

https://press.mandarinoriental.com/makati-manila-open-late-2026/?lang=eng

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141627.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Develop a 100 - Room Holiday Inn Hotel in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has signed a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited, an infrastructure and development firm headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, to develop a 100 - room Holiday Inn hotel in Mandi, a historic, spiritually city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located along the banks of the Beas River.

Mandi is known as “Varanasi of the Hills”Lahaul - Spiti , established in 1526, the city in steeped in heritage, boasting 81 ancient stone temples and intricate traditional architecture and it serves as a central hub for commerce and tourism, famously acting as the gateway to the Kullu and Lahaul - Spiti Valleys. 

The property is intended to serve business, leisure and transit travellers, supported by Mand’s connectivity between the National Capital Region and key leisure destinations in the state.

The hotel will be located on the Chandigarh --Manali corridor (NH - 3 and NH - 205), a mountainous route connecting the northern plains to Himachal Pradesh, modernized with tunnels and a four - lane highway offering scenic stops including Pandoh Dam, Sundernagar Lake, Hanogi Mata Temple, and the river rafting areas in Kullu.

The location is positioned to benefit from Mandi’s role as an administrative and commercial hub and from improving regional connectivity.

The planned Holiday Inn Mandi will feature 100 comfortable rooms and suites, three food and beverage options, and event spaces, including a ballroom.

The hotel will join the Holiday Inn brand, a well known, full - service brand focused on family - friendly and business travel. These properties  designed to offer a reliable, comfortable experience include the “Open Lobby” concept, on - site restaurants, swimming pools, 24 - hour fitness centres, and meeting spaces.

Holiday Inn Mandi is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expansion strategy in North India and is intended to strengthen the company’s presence in Himachal Pradesh., with the brand that currently has 17 open hotels and 34 in the pipeline across the country.

IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Resort, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Vignette Collections, and voco Hotels , with a pipeline of 98 hotels scheduled to open in the next three to five years.

Link

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-signs-holiday-inn-mandi-strengthening-presence-in-himachal-pradesh

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141595.html

South Street Partners | Acquired a Resort in Hamburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, U.S.

South Street Partners, a private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, has acquired a resort in Hamburg, a charming Sussex County borough in the U.S. state of New Jersey, blending rich historical landmarks with high - end luxury amenities, famously known for its world –-class golf destinations, abandoned fairytale ruins,  and close - knit, dense suburban community feel.

The acquired Crystal Springs Resort, a 1.400 acre property, purchased from the funding families who managed the resort since it opened in 1995,  is located at 1 Wild Turkey Way, right on the borough’s border, about 80 km from Manhattan, is considered New York’s closest all - season resort and is near four major airports.

The resort is situated in a region known for Appalachian landscapes, historic small towns and geological formations. The area offers a rural setting near major metropolitan areas, with approximately 14 million people living within 80 km, 29 million within 160 km and 50 million within 320 km.

The property include two hotels and six championship golf courses, including Cascades, Crystal Springs, Wild Turkey and Ballyowen, which is consistently ranked as New Jersey’s top public golf course by Golfweek.

Crystal Springs Resorts features two dining venues, including Restaurant Latour, a Wine Spectator Grand Award recipient, and a wine cantine cellar.

Amenities at the resort include a 30.000 square - foot sports and fitness centre, nine indoor and a outdoor pools, the lavish Reflection Spa, a variety of outdoor activities, and the property also offers 100.000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The resort is well known to host the New Jersey Food and Wine Festival, which features famed Michelin Star chefs and renowned winemakers.

The acquisition is South Street Partners’ first property in New Jersey and in the New York metropolitan area. No financial terms of the transaction were disclosed.

Links

https://www.crystalgolfresort.com/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141578.html

Seychelles | Deepening Bilateral Ties with Réunion Through Targeted Agreements on Tourism, Professional Training, Creole Culture, and Trade

The Seychelles and Réunion are actively deepening their bilateral ties through targeted agreements, focusing on tourism, professional training, Creole culture, and trade. The two Indian Ocean islands are leveraging their shared identity to build resilient partnerships with a series of initiatives in various fields.

Seychelles Ambassador Alain St Ange and  Réunion Regional Council President Huguette Bello held high- level discussions in Réunion on 23 and 24 May 2026 on the sidelines of the 1st International Summit and Festival of Creole Chefs, focusing on expanding cooperation in tourism, air connectivity, trade and fishing  with both sided identifying their shared Creole identity as a foundation for stronger partnerships.

Tourism emerged as the most advanced area of cooperation. Both islands taking full advantage of their geographical proximity, are exploring integrated, multi - destination holiday and cruise packages under the Vanilla Islands organization of which Seychelles Ambassador is a founding member.

Vanilla Islands is a joint marketing and tourism organization representing six island nations and territories in the Indian Ocean, formed in August 2010, created to promote the region as a combined, cohesive travel destination rather than having each island market itself independently.

Air connectivity featured prominently in the talks, with discussions exploring the conditions required to re - establish a direct flight link between Réunion and Seychelles, including connections to European markets to ensure commercial viability.

Fisheries cooperation was also on the agenda, with meetings focusing on joint training initiatives and shared expertise, bolstered by Réunion 2025 acquisition of a stake in deep - sea fishing operator SAMPER.

Previously the two countries also established a collaboration in the educational sector. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Seychelles and the Académie de la  Réunion signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19 May 2026, an agreement that strengthens professional training and education, particularly within the hospitality and restaurant sectors.

Follow - up steps are expected to include the development of sectoral roadmaps, with both territories looking to engage regional frameworks including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Commission to advance the partnership.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/seychelles-and-reunion-move-to-deepen-tourism-and-trade-ties.html

The Dominican Republic | The Country and the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa Took Home Top Honours at 2026 Wave Awards

The Dominican Republic and the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, located in Miches took home top honours at the highly anticipated 2026 Wave Awards, organised by TravelAge West, a leading B2B travel trade publication dedicated to business - savvy travel advisors, providing industry insights, destination newes, and product review, featuring travel trends, firsthand product accounts, and professional development and  owned by Northstar Group, a company headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.

The Wave Awards recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership in the travel and tourism industry, more than 230 destinations, companies, and tourism professionals were honoured during the 2026 ceremony, held at the Ritz - Carlton hotel in Marina del Rey, California, U.S. Winners were selected through a comprehensive evaluation process that included product reviews, site inspections, industry advisor surveys, and online research.

The Dominican Republic and the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa earned major recognition at this relevant event, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s position as one of the leading tourism destinations in the region.

For the third consecutive year, following wins in 2024 and 2025, the Caribbean country was crowned the Caribbean destination with the Highest Visitor Satisfaction. This award celebrates the country’s world class beaches, top - tier tourism infrastructure, consistent hospitality, and visitor experience.

The Dominican Republic’s tourism success is driven by proactive government support, major infrastructure investments, and rapid expansion into sustainable and eco - luxury models. This allows the country to remain a dominant leader in the Caribbean, generating billions for the national economy.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, part of  Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s portfolio, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois is located on the secluded beachfront of Playa Esmeralda in Miches, sits roughly 96 km northwest of Punta Cana International Airport (PUI) secured the prestigious title for the Best New or Renovated Resort in the Caribbean.

This adult - only sanctuary was lauded for its luxurious amenities, gourmet dining and spa offerings, further elevating the Dominican Republic’s reputation for luxury tourism and world - class accommodations.

The resort features 500 spacious suites including swi-  out including swim –-out and oceanfront options, where guests can enjoy a tranquil, adults - only atmosphere. Sitting alongside its sister property, the all – ages Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the complex offers a massive array of activities, diverse dining options, and nightly entertainment.

 Link

https://dominicantoday.com/dominican-republic-and-secrets-playa-esmeralda-win-top-honors-at-2026-wave-awards/

Russia | Planning to Increase International Tourist Arrivals with a Strategic Initiative

Russia is planning to increase international tourist arrivals to 16 million by 2030 with a strategic initiative designed to revitalise its tourism sector, attract new visitor flows and boost economic revenue. 

The strategy pivots away from Western markets by focusing on Asian, Middle Eastern and CIS countries through targeted infrastructure upgrades and policy changes according to the Eurasian country’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernishenko. 

The official unveiled this plan in the halls of the recently concluded XXIX edition of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that took place from June 3 to 6 with the participation of more than 24.000 people from 141 countries, according to data from the organising committee of the event. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said that Russia expects about seven million international visitors this year with a goal to reach an annual traffic of 16 million by 2030, recalling that the government is studying the possibility of introducing a visa - free regime for citizens of several countries in Asia and the Middle East, where interest in the tourism destination Russia is growing significantly. 

 Key features and growth drivers of the 2030 tourism strategy include: 

•    Strategic Geographic Reorientation: Marketing efforts target visitors primarily from China, India, Qatar, the UAE, and Southeast Asian nations. 
•    Visa Simplification: The expansion of visa – free group travel notably with China and new visa – free mechanisms for countries like Saudi Arabia volume critical to unlocking volume. 
•    Regional Diversification: Beyond the traditional hubs of Moskow and St. Petersburg, the Russian Government is aggressively promoting the Arctic, Lake Baikal, the Far East and Kamchalka to international nature and adventure seekers.
•    Infrastructure Investment: Massive hospitality and transport upgrades are being rolled out to accommodate the rising influx, aiming for long – term GPD growth. 
•    Global Soft Power: International marketing exhibitions in key target countries are being heavily funded on a tool to improve the country’s global image amidst diplomatic isolation. 

With this plan Russia’s tourism aims to experience a major strategic “renaissance” targeting between 6.5 and 7 million visitors this year. While European and western travel has sharply declined since 2022, a massive shift toward Asian and Middle Eastern markets, led by China, India, and the UAE is driving and will drive significant inbound growth. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/rusia-espera-recibir-16-millones-de-turistas-en-2030/

Uganda | Uganda Airlines and Boeing Signed $985 million Deal for 10 Aircraft in Major Fleet Expansion

Uganda Airlines, legally Uganda Airlines Company, the flag carrier of Uganda, headquartered at Entebbe International Airport, in Wakiso District, approximately 34 kilometres south of the central business district of Kampala, the capital and largest city of the African country and Boeing, an American multinational corporation that designs and manufactures airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles worldwide, based in Arlington County, Virginia signed $985 million deal for 10 Aircraft in major fleet expansion.

This landmark agreement for the African carrier was signed in the presence of President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni on 10 June 2026 marking a milestone for the nation, expanding its fleet and with plans to enhance regional connectivity.

The order covers eight passenger aircraft, each with a capacity of 294 seats, along with a Boeing 767 converted freighter,  the industry standard for medium wide - body cargo operations and a Boeing 737 converted freighter, a leading narrowbody cargo aircraft created by modifying retired passenger planes, and offering exxcellent operating economics.

An initial payment of $122 million (more than Ugandan Shs460 billion) has been committed, with the first phase covering four large passenger aircraft. The acquisition would more than double the airline’s current fleet of approximately seven aircraft.

The deal comes after months of operational disruption, including flight cancellations to London, England, UK, Mumbai, India, and Nigeria following mechanical issues that grounded key aircraft earlier this year.

Boeing has pledged technical support, training and capacity - building programmes as part of the agreement.

This purchase add to a broader wave of fleet investment across East Africa, with Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, also planning expansion, underscoring intensifying competition and cargo traffic across the region.

Works and Transport Minister Fred Byaamukama said the expansion would reduce Uganda’s reliance as regional transit hubs and improve direct international connectivity for both tourists and investors.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/uganda-airlines-signs-985-million-boeing-deal-to-expand-fleet-and-regional-connectivity.html